NFL Issues Gag On Trash Talking

News got out earlier today that the NFL ( aka No Fun League) has warned the playoff teams against the kind of trash talking, which occurred this week between teams like the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. Welker on Thursday made several references to feet in a jab at Ryan, who allegedly is involved in making foot-fetish videos featuring his wife. That came one day after Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie called Patriots quarterback Tom Brady an “a–hole,” according to a published report. Ryan, Cromartie and Shaun Ellis also called out Brady for taunting the Jets during a 45-3 win last month.

Ryan said he was aware of Welker’s remarks. “I think this is a huge rivalry-type game and anything goes. I can take it,” Ryan said Friday. “I’m not going to discuss it, but I can take it.” ESPN.com reports the NFL did not name any teams or players specifically in its warning. The league has fined players and could suspend them for hits deemed to be excessively violent.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote Saturday on Twitter, “To confirm what’s being reported: (NFL VP) Ray Anderson contacted multiple clubs this week so they could remind players comments of a physically threatening nature are always taken into account in evaluating discipline for illegal physical contact on field.”
The Ravens and Steelers, who play Saturday in Pittsburgh, also have engaged in serious trash-talking in the weeklong run-up to the Divisional playoff games. As long as there are no threats, I do believe that this is healthy for the rivalry and brings a bit of excitement to the already blah and boring no fun league.